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Where did you sleep last night? Were you cold? Hungry? Some of Colchester’s residents were cold and/or hungry. Some slept in their car … or a tent … or a someone’s barn. Do we have residents who are homeless? Can’t afford fuel of any kind? Have a difficult time providing food? Yes to all of the above. But we have something else – we have a community that cares; people who believe it is our responsibility to help our neighbors when times are tough.
This past weekend more than a dozen high school students from Colchester’s Federated Church spent the night sleeping outside in cardboard boxes to raise awareness about the issue of homelessness … and to raise funds for the regional homeless shelter in New London. Combined with a bake sale and matching funds, these caring students along with their adult leaders raised approximately $500 to help those in need.
Did you know that the New London shelter is “our” homeless shelter? That it serves Colchester residents? That although it is called the “New London Homeless Hospitality Center” it is not an agency of the New London government, but a private, non-profit, 501(c)c organization? Why is this important to us as a community? Because the shelter has and continues to provide for our residents when needed. The shelter provides a bed, clean sheets, restrooms, and light snacks. Residents can utilize the day-time drop in center to do laundry, access clothing and showers, and to work with staff to find permanent housing, jobs, medical care, and reconnect with family. Sadly, like so many non-profits right now, the shelter’s funding has been cut – from both the state and private
donations.
In August, the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (SCCOG) created a Committee on Homelessness (of which I am a member) to address this issue faced by all of the twenty municipalities making up the SCCOG. Many of our municipalities being served already provide funds to the shelter; however more than three-quarters do not. In an effort to address a small amount of this year’s shortfall because of the cuts, the SCCOG voted in September to request a $3,000 donation this year from each municipality in order to keep the shelter open and serving all of our residents.
Colchester has not funded the center in the past. At the same time, we do not have the additional $3,000 at this time. At our last Board of Selectmen meeting, I asked for, and received, permission to actively request donations from the community on behalf of the shelter to serve the needs of our residents who need the services. As a 501(c)3 organization, donations are tax deductible. Thanks to the students above, we are $500 closer to our goal. If this is one of your passions and you want to help out, please call (537-7220) or email
(selectman@colchesterct.gov) this office.
Did you also know that there are programs for those who need energy assistance? We have been working closely with the Thames Valley Council for Community Action to obtain extra assistance in taking energy applications during this tough season. Through their generosity, we have three additional part-time trained people available, paid for by TVCCA. In addition to working with TVCCA on the state energy program, we are also working with Operation Fuel and United Way to help as many residents as possible. Appointments are available evenings and Saturday mornings (537-7235), as well as during week days. Income is one of the deciding factors for obtaining assistance; however, levels are different for each program. Updated income information will be available on the Town website after Friday, October 22 or
by calling our Social Services Department at 537-7235 or Senior Services at 537-3911.
Thank you to all of you who have donated money, time, and effort to helping our citizens. The many food drives, donations to both the Food Bank and the Fuel Bank, the students raising awareness of all of us, and the phone calls of “how can I help” underscores the quality of the community in which we live. And you continue to help.
Boy Scouts will be doing their annual food drive in the coming week. Watch for the plastic bag to be left this weekend to be picked up next weekend. Please think about making a donation – and please think about that donation. Has it expired? If so, know that we cannot use it as there are stringent regulations related to food banks. Is something you would want to eat? What is needed? Protein products are always in great need – tuna, canned meats, Spam, hash; pasta sauces, cereal, juice, and peanut butter are some of the other items that go quickly. We will begin updating the website on a weekly basis (Friday afternoons) with a list of items currently needed.
You never know who is going to be “next” in this economic upheaval – it might be a neighbor, a relative, or even you. Every little bit makes a difference. Your help, your time, your donation makes life better for others in our community and, thus, makes Colchester a stronger community – a better place to live for all of us. We are all very lucky to be part of a community that cares.
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